Kona: 3 Hour Dolphin Watch, Reef Snorkel, & BBQ Lunch

The Kona: 3 Hour Dolphin Watch, Reef Snorkel, & BBQ Lunch tour promises an unforgettable adventure along the stunning Kona coastline. Guests can expect to snorkel in vibrant coral reefs, encounter playful spinner dolphins and sea turtles, and indulge in a delicious Hawaiian-style BBQ lunch. With a maximum of 30 participants, this intimate tour offers personalized attention, making it a must-consider option for anyone seeking a unique and memorable experience in Kona. What sets this tour apart, and why should travelers add it to their itinerary? Let’s take a closer look.

Good To Know

• A 3-hour tour from Honokohau Harbor that combines snorkeling, dolphin-watching, and a Hawaiian-style BBQ lunch.
• Opportunity to encounter vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish, sea turtles, and playful spinner dolphins.
• Includes a complimentary Hawaiian-style BBQ lunch with grilled meats, island-grown vegetables, and refreshing drinks.
• Departs at 9:00 AM with a maximum capacity of 30 travelers and requires guests to arrive 30 minutes early.
• Offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and has a 5.0 overall rating from 27 reviews.

Tour Highlights and Inclusions

The Kona Dolphin Watch and Snorkel tour combines three engaging experiences: snorkeling, dolphin-watching, and a Hawaiian-style BBQ lunch.

Departing from Honokohau Harbor, the tour cruises along the Kona coastline, offering opportunities to spot marine life including dolphins. Snorkeling at two locations provides diverse wildlife viewing.

Complimentary equipment includes snorkeling gear, with wetsuits available for rent. The tour accommodates a maximum of 30 travelers and isn’t wheelchair accessible, though service animals are allowed.

Guests must arrive 30 minutes early with a completed waiver, as the tour starts promptly at 9:00 AM and returns to the meeting point.

Pricing for this 3-hour adventure starts from $150 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Snorkeling Locations and Marine Life

Cruising the Kona coastline, the tour offers snorkeling at two carefully selected locations to provide guests with diverse marine life viewing opportunities.

Snorkelers can expect to encounter:

1. Vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, including parrotfish, angelfish, and damselfish.
2. Curious sea turtles gliding gracefully through the warm waters.
3. Occasionally, the chance to spot playful spinner dolphins or humpback whales (during the winter months).
4. A variety of invertebrates, such as sea urchins, starfish, and crabs, along the rocky shorelines.

The tour’s thoughtful selection of snorkeling sites ensures guests can enjoy the region’s rich underwater ecosystem and create lasting memories of Hawaii’s natural wonders.

BBQ Lunch and Refreshments

A complimentary Hawaiian-style BBQ lunch and assortment of refreshing drinks are provided to participants throughout the tour.

The BBQ menu features grilled meats, such as juicy chicken and tender beef, along with a variety of tasty sides like fresh island-grown vegetables and rice. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available.

To quench your thirst, enjoy chilled bottled water, fruit juices, and tropical beverages.

The crew ensures a leisurely and satisfying dining experience as you take in the stunning Kona coastline views.

Refuel and recharge during this memorable adventure before heading back out to explore the vibrant marine life.

Departure Point and Logistics

Iruka Hawaii Dolphin and Manta Tours’ meeting point is located at Slip A-17 in Honokohau Small Boat Harbor, Kailua-Kona, HI.

Guests should arrive 30 minutes prior to the 9:00 AM tour start time, with a completed waiver in hand.

The tour departs from the harbor and cruises along the Kona coastline, providing opportunities to watch for marine life, including dolphins.

After the tour, guests return to the original meeting point.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed, and infants must sit on laps.

Pricing and Booking Options

The tour price starts from $150.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience begins. Guests can opt for the "Reserve Now and Pay Later" option. Confirmation is received at the time of booking.

The tour is highly rated, with 27 reviews and a 5.0 overall rating. 100% of travelers recommend the tour, praising the helpful crew, great wildlife sightings, and enjoyable BBQ.

While some reviews mention rough waters impacting fish visibility, guests still appreciated the overall experience and the crew’s hospitality.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience begins, providing guests with flexibility in their travel plans.

The cancellation policy offers a few key benefits:

1. Guests can reserve their spot in advance without worrying about unexpected schedule changes.
2. Full refunds are provided if cancellation occurs within the 24-hour window.
3. For last-minute cancellations, guests won’t be penalized, allowing them to rebook for a future date.
4. The reservation options include "Reserve Now and Pay Later", further accommodating guests’ needs.

This cancellation policy ensures a stress-free booking experience and allows travelers to plan their Kona adventure with confidence.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

27 reviews with a 5.0 overall rating showcase the overwhelmingly positive feedback for this tour.

100% of travelers recommend the experience, praising the helpful crew, great wildlife sightings, and enjoyable BBQ. Guests appreciated the crew’s hospitality and overall experience.

While some mention rough waters impacting fish visibility, they still enjoyed the dolphin sightings.

The tour provides an excellent opportunity to witness marine life and take in Hawaiian culture through the BBQ lunch.

Tour Experience and Recommendations

For those seeking an immersive and well-rounded adventure along the Kona coastline, the Kona Dolphin Watch and Snorkel tour delivers an exceptional experience.

The 3-hour excursion combines the thrill of dolphin-watching, the wonder of underwater snorkeling, and the delight of a Hawaiian-style BBQ lunch.

Highlights include:

1. Cruising the scenic Kona coastline, keeping an eye out for playful dolphins.
2. Snorkeling at two diverse locations, allowing you to witness a variety of marine life.
3. Indulging in a complimentary BBQ lunch and refreshing drinks.
4. Exploring with a maximum of 30 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized outing.

With its comprehensive offerings and positive guest reviews, this tour is a must-do for those eager to enjoy the natural beauty and culture of Hawaii’s Kona region.

Things To Known

Can I Bring My Own Snorkel Gear?

Yes, guests can bring their own snorkel gear for the tour. However, wet suits are available for rent at $10 per adult and $5 per child if needed. The tour provides all other necessary snorkeling equipment.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement?

The tour doesn’t have a minimum age requirement, but infants must sit on laps during the trip. Children of all ages are welcome to join the snorkeling, dolphin-watching, and BBQ lunch experience.

Can I Choose the Snorkeling Locations?

The tour operator selects the snorkeling locations based on the day’s marine life and ocean conditions. Guests don’t choose the specific snorkeling spots, but can expect to see diverse wildlife at two different snorkel sites during the tour.

Is There an Option to Upgrade the Lunch?

There’s no information provided on the ability to upgrade the lunch. The tour package includes a complimentary Hawaiian-style BBQ lunch and drinks, but there’s no mention of additional lunch options or upgrade possibilities.

How Often Do You See Dolphins on the Tour?

Guests on this tour frequently spot dolphins while cruising the Kona coastline, with reviews highlighting great wildlife sightings. While visibility can be impacted by rough waters, the tour still provides a chance to see these captivating marine creatures.

Sum Up

The Kona: 3 Hour Dolphin Watch, Reef Snorkel, & BBQ Lunch tour provides an exceptional opportunity to explore Kona’s stunning coastline and encounter marine life up close. With snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs, the chance to spot dolphins and sea turtles, and a delicious Hawaiian-style BBQ lunch, this intimate tour offers an unforgettable and personalized experience for a maximum of 30 guests.